Senator Manny Pacquiao, chair of the Senate Committee on Sports, was the principal author of SBN 1306, which he considers as one of his pet bills in the Senate.

“During the early years of my boxing career, a boxer, who was my stablemate, died after a boxing match. I knew the risks involved in boxing and other combat sports, the reason why I envisioned passing a law which will promote the safety and welfare of boxers and other athletes engaged in combat sports,” Pacquiao said.

Participants in combat sports risk their lives just to earn a living and bring honor to the country.

PBCSC, once formally established, would formulate and implement a national policy on the development, safety and welfare of Filipino athletes participating in combat sports.

Under SBN 1306, combat sport is defined as “any sport, martial art or activity that involves, in accordance to applicable regulation, striking, kicking, hitting, grappling, throwing and or punching.”

Comprised by a chairman and four members, PBCSC will be directly under the Office of the President.

Once enacted into law, professional boxers and all other athletes engaged in combat sports will be included in the coverage of the Social Security System, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) and Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-ibig).

Under this law, mandatory physical and medical examinations are required prior to allowing professional fighters to participate in boxing and other combat sports tournaments.

SBN 1306 also seeks the extension of alternative means of livelihood by the government for retired or incapacitated fighters.